If any car enthusiast were asked about the type of car, they want they would either go for the convertible or sports car, but the reality is that for daily life, hatchbacks are much more practical. Combining the practicality of family cars on which hatchbacks are based along with strong performance and sharp handling, they are the perfect fit for Pakistan.
Then, Reasons such as fuel efficiency, practicality, affordability makes these vehicles popular choice for buying. In Pakistan, the local hatchback market has been limited, however recently, with the entry of new companies like KIA, Proton, Hyundai, Changan, DFSK, and MG mean the automotive sector is looking towards Pakistan as a potential market.
With the introduction of the new Auto Policy 2021-2026 after the current policy expires in June, there is an increased likelihood of new entrants in Pakistani markets, given that incentives are provided by the government.
Thus, Global Village thinks that the Pakistani hatchback market would benefit a lot if the following cars are introduced in the market.
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Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback that is available in the international markets in a two-door or four-door body style. Regardless of its body style, the base Golf comes powered by a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine that is rated at 170PS and is coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Standard equipment in the Volkswagen Golf includes air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auxiliary audio jack, automatic Climate Control, rear parking sensors, backup camera, immobilizer system, among other optional features. it has a great chassis that provides athletic handling and a composed ride. And it offers a surprisingly roomy interior along with a large cargo hold. The boxy Golf isn’t as eye-catching or feature-laden as many compact rivals, but overall it’s much more gratifying than meets the eye.
In India, the Price ranges from INR 0.5 million to 1 million, meaning it can be around PKR 2 million in Pakistan. It is better than the sister polo as it is more comfortable for the families as it is more spacious, and it comes in a mild-hybrid option, making it efficient and lighter on wallets.
A few months ago, it was announced that VW would begin the production of its vehicles in Pakistan in 2022, and the first vehicle that would make its debut here is the VW Amarok pickup truck. The report added that the automaker acquired the greenfield status under the Automotive Development Policy (ADP) 2016-21 and will begin producing the vehicles under that policy.
If this car is introduced in the country, it would be a huge hit for its affordability in Pakistan.
Hyundai i20
Hyundai has had one of the famous hatchbacks Santro in the Pakistani market before they left in 2004 when Dewan Farooq went bankrupt. However, since its recent return with the Nishat group, the company went into the crossover market with Tucson, competing with Kia’s Sportage.
However, in the international market, the company’s i20, a compact hatchback is one of the main products. Its latest generation came in 2020 with a 1.2 liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine with 82 horsepower and produces 115 Nm of torque. It comes in either a 5-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission.
Read More: Hyundai’s Elantra to hit Pakistani market soon
On the interior, it comes fitted with a 0″ smart infotainment system, a digital driver’s display, steering control for various menus, wireless mobile charging pad up front as well as USB ports, automatic climate control, tire pressure monitoring, ambient lighting, front dual + side + curtain airbags, parking sensors, ABS Brakes with EBD, along with other high-tech options.
In India, the model costs its customers 6.8 lac Indian rupees for the basic version and the premium mild-hybrid is 11.3 lac Indian rupees. In Pakistan, with absolute conversion, it must range between 14.6 lac and 24 lac Pakistani rupee.
It could be a great addition for families who don’t want to go with relatively expensive SUVs.
KIA RIO
One of the least-expensive new cars in the international market, Kia Rio offers impressive quality and features for the price. Available as a sporty sedan or hatchback, it blends a smooth ride and agile handling to provide a refined driving experience.
There have been several rumors circling about on various platforms that KIA will soon be making more additions to its already amazing lineup in Pakistan. Speculations are that the automaker would most likely introduce a second hatchback named Rio to compete with other compact hatchbacks and sedans in the market.
The Rio’s cabin is sporty and user-friendly, and commuters will appreciate its EPA-estimated 17.43 km/l on the highway.
The standard features of the Kia Rio S include Gamma 1.6L I-4 130hp engine, 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), side seat mounted airbags, curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, air conditioning, 15″ steel wheels, cruise control, ABS and driveline traction control, electronic stability. The car comes in either a 5-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission.
Being that the Rio hatchback fits in between the 2 segments, it is also priced accordingly. In the US, Rio can be had with a base price of $16,990, which is almost Rs. 2.7 million in Pakistan, which makes it an expensive vehicle. However, it is a well-liked car and can present some tough competition in the hatchback segment of Pakistan.
MG 3
According to the CEO of MG in Pakistan Mr. Javed Afridi, this car is soon to be launched in Pakistan. Compared to the competition, this car is awaited by enthusiasts because of its smart shape, high-end look, while still going easy on the price.
Read More: Javed Afridi teases at much awaited MG3
The latest model of MG3 is the Second Generation in the series and competes against Suzuki Swift and Toyota Vitz, the other famous subcompact hatchbacks in the market. After the recent facelift in 2018, the latest model gives a sharper and fresher look.
In the international market, it is being offered in two engine options. One is 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol-powered, with a horsepower of 105 and 137 Nm torque. It has a 5-speed manual transmission. The other one has the same 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, but with 109 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque and 4-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of the added facilities, the cabin is fixed with a standard 8-inch touch-sensitive infotainment system, with Apple Carplay, Satellite Navigation, cruise control, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines, multimedia controls on the steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, AC with dust and pollen filter, a 4-speaker premium sound system and lastly USB/AUX connectivity, along with other features.
According to Mr. Afridi, this car will cost less than PKR 2 million in Pakistan, presenting competition to the rest of the hatchbacks.
Mitsubishi Mirage ES
In July 2020, Mitsubishi announced to focus on the South Asian countries as its new market. Although the list of countries does not include Pakistan yet, the new Auto policy may attract the Japanese automaker to enter a budding market.
The 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage ES is one of the cheapest cars in the market. Its price in the international market is $13,395. At the current rate, it is PKR 2.1 million in Pakistan.
The standard features of the Mitsubishi Mirage ES include 1.2L I-3 78hp engine, 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), side seat mounted airbags, curtain 1st, and 2nd row overhead airbags, driver knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, air conditioning, 14″ steel wheels, cruise control, ABS and driveline traction control, electronic stability.
Although the vehicle Is not very catchy to the eye at the first look, it makes up with its affordability.
Peugeot 208
Last year, a report surfaced in media that PSA, the group that owns Peugeot had signed an EoI and MoU with Lucky Motors Ltd. Of Pakistan for assembling, manufacturing, distributing, and selling PSA passenger cars and LCVs in the country.
Hailing from France, the 2nd generation Peugeot 208 is arguably the best-looking hatchback in its class. Having made its debut in the Geneva Motor Show back in 2019, the vehicle was praised by numerous automotive journalists for its unique serpentine front facia and overall stylistics of the vehicle.
It is most equipped with a 1.2 liter naturally aspirated 3-cylinder petrol engine that makes 75 hp and 118 Nm of torque and comes in two options, a 5-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle is also offered with an all-electric powertrain in Europe with a 50 kWh battery that allows for 349 kilometers of range. The 208 is has a CCS Combo Type 2 connector and can charge at a rate of up to 100 kW at a fast-charging station.
Read More: US automakers planning to launch electric vehicles in Pakistan
The vehicle also comes loaded with tech features such as a 7″ smart infotainment system, automatic climate control, driver + passenger + side curtain airbags, USB connectivity, wireless charging pad, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, ABS brakes, and other various driver aids depending on the variant.
The negative is that it is expensive, that is, it costs equivalent to PKR 2.14 million in Morocco. However, given the quality of the car, it is arguably a fair price for the offer.
At the end while the newcomers in the automobile industry have been very focused on the SUV market, the hatchback might be a bigger market. Thus, bringing more hatchbacks to Pakistan will be good for the consumers and the automobile industry both.